A pool table is a large, heavy piece of furniture, usually between 7 to 9 feet long and weighing about 700 pounds or more. An 8-foot pool table with a slate top can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. Moving it safely without professional assistance requires careful planning, the right tools and some serious lifting power. Here’s a guide on how to move a pool table to another home, shift it within the same room or even move it without disassembling it.
Safety Reminder
Moving a pool table on your own isn’t recommended. It can lead to injuries and may damage the table.
Gather Help, Tools & Moving Supplies
Having enough people to help and the proper tools can make moving a heavy item like a pool table much easier. The easiest way to move a pool table is to take it apart first.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tools: A drill, socket wrench and screwdriver set to dismantle the table.
- Staple Remover: For carefully taking off the felt.
- Protective Materials: Use moving blankets and bubble wrap to keep parts safe from damage during the move.
Measure Doorways & Exits
Moving a pool table safely requires careful planning. To prevent damage to the table or your home, measure the width of all doorways, hallways, and staircases it will need to pass through, especially if you’re moving it to another room in the house.
Pro Tip
Cover any sharp edges of the pool table with towels or foam bumpers to protect walls from scratches or dents.
Take Apart the Pool Table
It’s usually best to disassemble your pool table before moving it, as they aren’t built to be shifted in one piece. To do this you’ll need to remove the legs, felt, rails and slate then reassemble them at the new location.
In some cases, with enough help, you might use furniture sliders to move a pool table without taking it apart. This method works only for short moves, like shifting the table within the same room or to an easily accessible nearby room.
Tip
Check your pool table’s manual for detailed instructions on how to take it apart and put it back together.
Remove the Pockets & Rails
Start disassembling the pool table by taking out the ball pockets. These are usually attached with screws or staples. Use a screwdriver or staple remover to carefully detach them. Once the pockets are out, use a socket wrench to unscrew the bolts from the side rails. Place the pockets and rails in a safe spot where they won’t be bumped or damaged.
Keep screws and bolts organized by placing them in labeled plastic bags according to which part of the table they belong to.
Take Off the Felt & Slate
To safely move a pool table without damaging the slate, start by removing the felt. Use a staple remover to gently pull out the staples, being careful not to tear the felt if you plan to reuse it.
Once the felt is off, you’ll see the slate beneath. Slate is a delicate stone that can chip or crack easily so handle it with care. Use a drill to remove the screws holding the slate in place then carefully lift it out. Place the slate upright against a wall or flat on the floor.
Slate can weigh 450 pounds or more so don’t try to lift it alone. Get help to avoid injury and damage to the slate.
Take Off the Legs
After removing the pockets, rails and slate, it’s time to detach the legs. With some help, carefully tilt the table frame onto its side or upside down. Try to keep the weight balanced as you do this to avoid stressing or damaging the legs.
Once the table is positioned correctly, use a drill to unscrew the legs from the frame. Place the legs and frame in a safe spot where they won’t get damaged.
Wrap & Label the Parts
Before transporting the pool table parts, wrap each rail, leg and pocket in bubble wrap or protective padding to prevent scratches and chips. Cover the slate with moving blankets and secure everything with packing tape or stretch wrap. Label each wrapped part to keep track of what goes where. Then, use a dolly or hand truck to move the parts to your truck or van safely.
Moving a Pool Table Yourself vs. Hiring Professionals
Moving a pool table on your own can save money but professional movers have the experience to handle this heavy furniture safely, reducing the risk of damage or injury. Moving a pool table yourself is challenging, as the table can be easily damaged, the slate may crack during disassembly and injuries are common.
If you decide to do it yourself:
- Gather four to five people to help.
- Use lifting straps for the heavier parts.
- Ensure everyone wears slip-resistant shoes.
- Be extra cautious when moving the slate, as its weight makes it tricky to handle without risk of dropping.
- Once the parts are loaded onto the truck, secure them with tie-down straps to keep everything in place.
Moving Your Pool Table with Proper Preparation
By carefully disassembling your pool table, thoroughly wrapping its parts and loading it securely, you can successfully move it with some help. Gather all the tools you’ll need for the job to make the process smoother. For those who don’t want to buy equipment, Chicago Movers Near Me offers rentals for moving and lifting gear.
